The coronavirus pandemic has made the summer transfer window uncertain, but here are the rumours floating around Europe's big leagues and beyond.
Blues consider Ter Stegen move
Chelsea are contemplating an ambitious move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Mundo Deportivo reports.
- Olley: Kepa must show he can fit in Chelsea's title plans
It's no secret that the Blues are interested in replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga during the summer after a poor run of form throughout the campaign, with Frank Lampard considering the possibility of including Kepa in a deal that would see 28-year-old Ter Stegen make his way over to Stamford Bridge.
Barca aren't really interested in letting him go, and they're more invested in the idea of extending his current contract -- which is set to expire in June 2022. For now, Chelsea are happy to sit back and see how those negotiations play out.
Among the other keepers linked as Kepa's successor are Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak; Dean Henderson, on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United; and Andre Onana of Ajax Amsterdam.
Mbappe set to stay at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has claimed that he will be staying in the French capital beyond the summer transfer window.
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The World Cup winner has been at the heart of speculation over his immediate future, with the popular opinion being that he could be interested in joining La Liga titans Real Madrid. Alas, while his contract may be set to expire in 2022, it doesn't appear as if he's going to be going anywhere in the next few months -- as the man himself confirmed shortly after PSG's friendly triumph over Celtic.
"I just have to say that I'm here, I'm in the project for a fourth year," Mbappe said on Tuesday evening after the match.
"For everyone, the management, the supporters... I'm going to keep going, no matter what."
Mbappe arrived at PSG from AS Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth €180 million. When asked last week about Mbappe and other potential big signings, Real president Florentino Perez said: "No...Madrid will sign the best again when the situation changes."
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel also echoed his star player's sentiments, saying: "Kylian has a contract with us, we're not ready to sell him. He is super important, he's a key player, our player. It's a gift to work with him."
Everton's Hojbjerg bid accepted
Southampton have accepted a bid worth up to £25 million from Everton for midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Evening Standard reports.
This latest development ensures that the Toffees have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign the popular Dane. However, despite the first hurdle being cleared, Hojbjerg reportedly still prefers the idea of a move to North London -- but Spurs still aren't able to match the valuation put on him by the Saints.
Southampton had initially placed a £35m price tag on Hojbjerg, but as a result of him only having 12 months left on his contract, the South Coast club have decided to accept a lower offer.
Tap-ins
- Liverpool will demand a fee of £6m in order to agree to the sale of Loris Karius this summer, Goal reports. The controversial keeper has spent the last two years out on loan with Besiktas following his disastrous performance in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, and at this stage, it seems as if his most likely destination will be Montpellier.
- Sky Sports is reporting that Celtic have expressed their interest in trying to sign West Ham United forward Albian Ajeti. Hoops boss Neil Lennon has been at the forefront of talks with the Premier League club, with the Scottish champions questioning his availability. Ajeti has struggled to make an impact on the relegation strugglers' starting XI, with Celtic being willing to take him on either a permanent deal or a season-long loan.
Source: espn.co.uk